By Mary Joy Cavañas ‘
Mayor Jerry Treñas reflected on his administration’s achievements and best legacy in terms of development and key projects in Iloilo City.
In a press conference, Treñas highlighted extensive renovations of public markets and plazas across the city, including the addition of new fountains.
“We have done so much such as ICare Centers, Health centers, rehabilitation of plazas, and markets. Right now we are being called one of the leaders on the circular economy as we have our waste to energy project that hopefully will happen soon,” Treñas said.
The city mayor further emphasized his administration’s commitment to sustainable development, promoting a circular economy focused on waste energy reduction and aligning with sustainable development goals (SDG) of United Nations (UN).
“We’re making sure that we have redundancy in water by starting our negotiations in Aboitiz eventually, hopefully that will push through together with the desalination project of the Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW). Like power, water is very important. It’s one of the considered sustainable development goals under the UN,” he added.
He also noted the construction of school buildings, helping informal sectors in terms of infrastracture project, and vendors livelihood trainings and programs during his tenure.
Treñas reflected on the city’s transformation since he first took office in 2001, recalling the challenges Iloilo City faced at the time such as it was once considered the dirtiest city in the country as garbage was everywhere, and waste collection was a major issue, and the streets used to be dark that safety was a also a concern for anyone heading home.
He cited the strong partnership between the local government and the private sector for the city’s development.
Treñas emphasized that more than physical developments—the most valuable legacy of his administration is the restored sense of pride among Ilonggos.
“It’s not the infrastructure, it’s not the plaza, it’s not the markets which for me are the greatest legacy but it’s the sense of pride that here in Iloilo City, if we have good leaders, we can make it work,” Treñas stressed.
Meanwhile, Treñas reiterates his intention to continue helping, but clarifies he will not accept any formal position in City Hall. He noted that he is open to being designated as a political advisor for his successor, daughter and mayor-elect Raisa Treñas-Chu, noting the distinction—a designation doesn’t come with a salary. He also cited that his daughter is an independent person, reflecting briefly on his own past practices wherein she used to take care of her younger siblings as the eldest child.
“I will continue to help out. As I have said, I will not accept any position here in City Hall. At the very least, I think I’ll accept the designation— not appointment— as political advisor for Raisa.
The difference between an appointment and a designation is that in designation, you are not appointed and you won’t have a salary so for me, it’s okay to be designated as a political advisor and I will help out politically. But you know, Raisa has been a very independent person ever since,” said Treñas, expressing confidence in his successor’s readiness to lead, citing her management education and commitment.
Treñas also emphasized the city’s progress but noted that there is still much work to be done, especially in terms of addressing children’s nutrition and education efforts through establishment of public libraries equipped with books and free Wi-Fi.
He also stressed the need for sufficient water and power supply, as coal-fired power plants are no longer an option.
“We must continue working to ensure Ilonggos are prepared in times of need,” he added.
